Chapter 1354
After entering the city, Michael was momentarily distracted by a merchant caravan arriving at the gates. He thoroughly inspected them, ensuring there were no issues before granting passage. Turning back, he noticed this caravan closely followed the group he'd just checked. A familiar figure caught his eye—a silhouette resembling Carissa's martial uncle from the Pathfinders Guild.
He believed the man's name was Everett, but the face didn't match the figure. The resemblance was only in silhouette; the features were entirely different. Nevertheless, Michael felt uneasy and decided to investigate.
He instructed men to follow the caravan, reporting any unusual activity. An hour later, they reported the group had settled in a manor on Eastland Avenue, a neighborhood known for its powerful lords and nobility. Even a wealthy merchant would struggle to acquire property there.
Michael learned the house once belonged to a distant royal relative, an honorary prince from another family. Vacant for some time, it was rumored the former owner had moved away years ago.
Although nothing appeared directly suspicious, Michael couldn't shake a feeling of unease. Days of relentless checks and duties had left him exhausted and mentally fatigued.
"That manor is next to Willowbrook Estate," one of his men remarked.
Michael's eyes narrowed. "Keep an eye on it. Better yet, pay them a visit." He recalled Carissa's advice: anyone connected to Willowbrook Estate warranted close observation.
Later, inquiry confirmed the manor belonged to a distant royal family heir. After losing his hereditary title, he'd conducted business elsewhere, returning to the capital for refuge amidst the external chaos. Michael recalled the rich silks and jewels in the caravan's cargo; they seemed to be returning with their treasures to seek shelter in the city.
He sighed quietly. The outside world was in chaos, and while the capital seemed safe, it wasn't peaceful. Only outsiders remained oblivious to the brewing trouble. Finding nothing overtly alarming, Michael didn't report the matter to Carissa.
Meanwhile, inside Russell Estate, the caravan unloaded its goods. Hidden within secret compartments in each chest, beneath silks and treasures, lay their true cargo: weapons. The estate, long abandoned, was overgrown and dusty. They hadn't yet removed their disguises.
They weren't hiding from Michael, but from Nicholas's men. Apprentices cleared the estate while Adrian and Everett sat down.
Everett spoke first. "Why not stay at Hell Monarch Estate? This place is a ruin—everything needs replacing, from food to furnishings."
Adrian, stroking his false beard, replied smoothly, "One's doghouse is better than another's gilded palace. Besides, we're here to remain hidden. Hell Monarch Estate would make us too obvious, wouldn't it?" He mused about Nicholas's unseen forces and Carissa's need for a comparable presence in the capital.
"But the city gate guards seem incompetent," Adrian muttered, frowning. "We have chests with secret compartments, and he didn't find them. His name's Michael Brown, right?"
Everett nodded. "Yes, Capital Guard."
"This is dangerous," Adrian continued. "One slip-up could be disastrous. He's inexperienced. Does she have anyone competent?"
Everett glanced at him. "Depends on your standards. By yours, no one's fit. Even Kyle wouldn't suffice."
Adrian's expression soured. "Kyle's capable! Better than Rafael, at least."
"Nonsense! Who compares to Rafael?" Everett snapped. "But this isn't about strength. Since she lacks reliable people, we'll work harder. Once guild leaders and clan heads arrive, we'll take turns watching."
"Alright," Adrian conceded. "They should arrive in a day or two. Have the Skywing Spire members entered the capital? Tell them to watch the riverworks and Willowbrook Estate. Report any movement immediately."